Fiber optic connection system

ABSTRACT

A fiber optic adapter (736/836) includes a body configured to mate a first fiber optic connector (12) with a second fiber optic connector (50), the first and second fiber optic connectors (12,50) including latches (60) for mating with catches (771) of the adapter (736/836) for releasably engaging the first and second connectors (12,50) with the fiber optic adapter (736/836), wherein the latches (60) are configured to be unlatched from the catches (771) by direct contact with the latches (60). The adapter (736/836) includes a release mechanism (702/802) for allowing a user to release the latch (60) of at least one of the first and second fiber optic connectors (12,50) from the adapter (736/836) without directly contacting the latch (60) of the at least one of the first and second fiber optic connectors (12,50).

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a National Stage of PCT/EP2014/073213, filed 29 Oct.2014, which claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No.61/898,159, filed on Oct. 31, 2013, and which applications areincorporated herein by reference in their entireties. To the extentappropriate, a claim of priority is made to each of the above disclosedapplications.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates generally to a fiber optic connectionsystem. Modern optical devices and optical communications systems widelyuse fiber optic cables. Fiber optic cables are often used to transmitlight signals for high speed data transmission. A fiber optic cabletypically includes an optical fiber or optical fibers, a buffer orbuffers that surrounds the fiber or fibers, a strength layer thatsurrounds the buffer or buffers, and an outer jacket. The optical fibersfunction to carry optical signals. A typical optical fiber includes aninner core surrounded by a cladding that is covered by a coating.Buffers (e.g., loose or tight buffer tubes) typically function tosurround and protect coated optical fibers. Strength layers addmechanical strength to fiber optic cables to protect the internaloptical fibers against stresses applied to the cables duringinstallation and thereafter. Example strength layers include aramidyarn, steel and epoxy reinforced glass roving. Outer jackets provideprotection against damage caused by crushing, abrasions, and otherphysical damage. Outer jackets also provide protection against chemicaldamage (e.g., ozone, alkali, acids).

Fiber optic cable connection systems are used to facilitate connectingand disconnecting fiber optic cables in the field without requiring asplice. A typical fiber optic cable connection system forinterconnecting two fiber optic cables includes fiber optic connectorsmounted at the ends of the fiber optic cables, and an adapter formechanically and optically coupling the fiber optic connectors together.Fiber optic connectors generally include ferrules that support the endsof the optical fibers of the fiber optic cables. The end faces of theferrules are typically polished and are often angled. The adapterincludes co-axially aligned ports (i.e., receptacles for receiving thefiber optic connectors desired to be interconnected). The adapterincludes an internal sleeve that receives and aligns the ferrules of thefiber optic connectors when the connectors are inserted within the portsof the adapter. With the ferrules and their associated fibers alignedwithin the sleeve of the adapter, a fiber optic signal can pass from onefiber to the next. Some systems are known which include alignment offibers but no ferrules. Improvements in the adapters are desired.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one implementation, a fiber optic connector is mounted to a fiberoptic connector holder. The holder can be a separate piece mountable toother devices, such as trays, panels, modules, cassettes, and chassis.Alternatively, the holder can be integrally formed with the device. Insome implementations, multiple holders can be provided as separateelements, or as an integral element.

The fiber optic connector holder holds the fiber optic connector inposition ready for connection to another fiber optic connector at adesired time. The holder receives a fiber optic adapter, and a secondfiber optic connector. The adapter aligns the two connectors for fiberoptic signal transmission. In one example, the fiber optic connectorholder includes a clip for clipping to the connector. In someimplementations, the clip is releasable.

According to certain embodiments, the first and the second fiber opticconnectors and the adapter include interlatching features for relativelyfixing the connectors to the adapter. The connector(s) may be removedfrom the adapter by releasing the latching features. Similarly, theadapter may also be relatively removed from the connector(s) byreleasing the latching features.

According to other aspects, the disclosure is directed to fiber opticconnector holders that include release mechanisms for releasing thefiber optic adapter and a second fiber optic connector from a firstfiber optic connector when the first fiber optic connector may not bereadily accessible to a user. For example, the first fiber opticconnector might be held by a holder that is part of a fixture on adevice such as a tray, panel, module, cassette, or chassis, wherein thefirst fiber optic connector is positioned inside such a device withoutaccess to the first connector from an exterior of the device.

According to other aspects of the disclosure, the release mechanism maybe an integral part of the adapter that aligns the first and secondfiber optic connectors. The release mechanism of the adapter might allowa user to release the adapter and the second fiber optic connector fromthe first fiber optic connector when the first fiber optic connector isnot readily accessible to a user (e.g., when the first fiber opticconnector is supported by a holder that is part of a device such as atray, panel, module, cassette, or chassis, wherein the first fiber opticconnector is positioned inside such a device without access to the firstconnector from an exterior of the device).

According to one aspect of the disclosure, the disclosure is directed toa telecommunications system comprising a fiber optic adapter including acatch, a fiber optic connector including a latch configured to mate withthe catch for latching the connector with the adapter, wherein the latchis configured to be unlatched from the catch by direct contact with thelatch, and a fixture configured to fixedly hold the fiber opticconnector for mating with the adapter, wherein the fixture includes arelease mechanism for allowing a user to release the latch of theconnector from the catch of the adapter without directly contacting thelatch of the connector.

According to another aspect, the disclosure is directed to a fiber opticadapter comprising a body configured to mate a first fiber opticconnector with a second fiber optic connector, the first and secondfiber optic connectors including latches for mating with catches of theadapter for releasably engaging the first and second connectors with thefiber optic adapter, wherein the latches are configured to be unlatchedfrom the catches by direct contact with the latches, wherein the adapterhas a release mechanism for allowing a user to release the latch of atleast one of the first and second fiber optic connectors from theadapter without directly contacting the latch of the at least one of thefirst and second fiber optic connectors.

According to another aspect, the disclosure is directed to atelecommunications system comprising a fiber optic adapter configured tomate a first fiber optic connector with a second fiber optic connector,the first fiber optic connector mounted to the fiber optic adapter, thesecond fiber optic connector mounted to the fiber optic adapter foroptically mating with the first fiber optic connector, wherein both ofthe first and second fiber optic connectors include latches for matingwith catches of the fiber optic adapter for releasably engaging thefirst and second connectors with the fiber optic adapter, the latchesconfigured to be unlatched from the catches by direct contact with thelatches, wherein the adapter has a release mechanism for allowing a userto release the latch of at least one of the first and second fiber opticconnectors from the adapter without directly contacting the latch of theat least one of the first and second fiber optic connectors.

According to another aspect, the disclosure is directed to a method ofunlatching a fiber optic connector that is fixedly held by a fixturefrom a fiber optic adapter without directly contacting a latch of thefiber optic connector that mates with a catch of the fiber opticadapter, the method comprising contacting the latch of the fiber opticconnector with a portion of a release mechanism located on the fixtureto separate the latch of the fiber optic connector from the catch of thefiber optic adapter.

According to another aspect, the disclosure is directed to a method ofunlatching a fiber optic connector from a fiber optic adapter withoutdirectly contacting a latch of the fiber optic connector that mates witha catch of the fiber optic adapter, the method comprising contacting thelatch of the fiber optic connector with a portion of a release mechanismlocated on the fiber optic adapter to separate the latch of the fiberoptic connector from the catch of the fiber optic adapter.

According to another aspect, the disclosure is directed to atelecommunications system comprising a fixture defining a pocket forreceiving a fiber optic adapter, the pocket defining an adapterinsertion first end and an opposite second end, the fiber optic adapterinserted into the pocket from the first end, the fiber optic adapterincluding a catch, a fiber optic connector inserted into the pocket fromthe second end, the fiber optic connector including a latch configuredto mate with the catch (571/671/771) for latching the connector with theadapter, wherein the latch is configured to be unlatched from the catchby direct contact with the latch, and a release mechanism provided onthe fiber optic adapter or on the fixture for allowing a user to releasethe latch of the connector from the catch of the adapter withoutdirectly contacting the latch of the connector, the release mechanismoperable by the user from adjacent the adapter insertion first end ofthe pocket.

According to another aspect, the disclosure is directed to a method ofreleasing a first fiber optic connector that has been inserted into apocket defined by a fixture from a first end of the pocket from a fiberoptic adapter that has been inserted into the pocket from a second endof the pocket, wherein the adapter is configured to mate the first fiberoptic connector with a second fiber optic connector, the methodcomprising unlatching a latch of the first fiber optic connector thatconnects the first fiber optic connector to the fiber optic adapter fromadjacent the second end of the pocket.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a fiber optic connector mounted to afiber optic connector holder;

FIG. 2 is a further perspective view of the fiber optic connector andthe fiber optic connector holder of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the fiber optic connector and the fiber opticconnector holder of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a top view of the fiber optic connector and the fiber opticconnector holder of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the fiber optic connector holder;

FIG. 6 is another perspective view of the fiber optic connector holder;

FIG. 7 shows a fiber optic adapter being mounted to the fiber opticconnector held by the fiber optic connector holder of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a further view of the fiber optic adapter being mounted to thefiber optic connector;

FIG. 9 is a side view of the fiber optic adapter being mounted to thefiber optic connector;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional side view of the view of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the fiber optic adapter fully mountedto the fiber optic connector;

FIG. 12 is a further perspective view of the fiber optic adapter mountedto the fiber optic connector;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a second fiber optic connectormounted to the fiber optic adapter for optical signal transmissionbetween two fiber optic cables;

FIG. 14 is a further perspective view of the view of FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a side view of the view of FIG. 13;

FIG. 16 is a top view of the view of FIG. 13;

FIG. 17 is an exploded perspective view showing two fiber opticconnectors separated from a mating fiber optic adapter;

FIG. 18 shows a plurality of fiber optic connector holders mounted in amounting arrangement for holding a plurality of first fiber opticconnectors, mating fiber optic adapters, and second fiber opticconnectors;

FIG. 19 is a further perspective view of the fiber optic connectorholder mounting arrangement of FIG. 18;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the fiber optic connector holdermounting arrangement without the connectors or adapters shown;

FIG. 21 is an example implementation of a connector holder systemutilizing the connector holder implementations of FIGS. 1-20;

FIG. 22 is another example implementation of a connector holder systemutilizing the connector holder implementations of FIGS. 1-20;

FIG. 23 is a further example implementation of a connector holder systemutilizing the connector holder implementations of FIGS. 1-20;

FIG. 24 is a further example implementation of a connector holder systemutilizing the connector holder implementations of FIGS. 1-20;

FIG. 25 is a front perspective view of another embodiment of a fiberoptic connector holder system having features that are examples ofinventive aspects in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 26 is a rear perspective view of the system of FIG. 25;

FIG. 27 is a side view of the system of FIG. 25;

FIG. 28 is a top view of the system of FIG. 25;

FIG. 29 is a bottom view of the system of FIG. 25;

FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 30-30 of FIG. 28;

FIG. 31 is an exploded view of the system of FIG. 25;

FIG. 32 is a left side perspective view of another embodiment of a fiberoptic connector holder system having features that are examples ofinventive aspects in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 33 is a rear perspective view of the system of FIG. 32;

FIG. 34 illustrates the system of FIG. 33 in a fully assembledconfiguration;

FIG. 35 is a front perspective view of the system shown in FIG. 34;

FIG. 36 is a top view of the system of FIG. 34;

FIG. 37 is a side view of the system of FIG. 34;

FIG. 38 is a rear view of the system of FIG. 34;

FIG. 39 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 39-39 of FIG. 38;

FIG. 40 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 40-40 of FIG. 38;

FIG. 41 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 41-41 of FIG. 38;

FIG. 42 is a front perspective view of the holder of the system of FIGS.32-41;

FIG. 43 is a rear view of the holder of FIG. 42;

FIG. 44 is a top view of the holder of FIG. 42;

FIG. 45 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 45-45 of FIG. 44;

FIG. 46 illustrates a portion of the holder of FIGS. 42-45 with a fiberoptic connector mounted to the clip of the holder;

FIG. 47 is a front perspective view of another embodiment of a fiberoptic connector holder system having features that are examples ofinventive aspects in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 48 is a side view of the holder system of FIG. 47;

FIG. 49 is a top view of the holder system of FIG. 47;

FIG. 50 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 50-50 of FIG. 49;

FIG. 51 illustrates the holder system of FIGS. 47-50 in an explodedconfiguration;

FIGS. 52-56 illustrate the sequence of operation for releasing anadapter and a second connector of the system of FIGS. 47-51 from a firstconnector of the system;

FIG. 57 is a front perspective view of another embodiment of an adapterconfigured for use with the system of FIGS. 47-56, the adapter shownwith first and second connectors mated;

FIG. 58 is a rear perspective view of the adapter and connectors of FIG.57;

FIG. 59 is a bottom perspective view of the adapter and connectors ofFIG. 57;

FIG. 60 is a top view of the adapter and connectors of FIG. 57;

FIG. 61 is a bottom view of the adapter and connectors of FIG. 57;

FIG. 62 is a left side view of the adapter and connectors of FIG. 57;

FIG. 63 is a right side view of the adapter and connectors of FIG. 57;

FIG. 64 is a front view of the adapter and connectors of FIG. 57;

FIG. 65 is a rear view of the adapter and connectors of FIG. 57;

FIG. 66 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 66-66 of FIG. 60;

FIG. 67 illustrates the connectors exploded off the adapter of FIG. 57;

FIG. 68 is a top view of the adapter and connectors of FIG. 67;

FIG. 69 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 69-69 of FIG. 68;

FIG. 70 is a bottom view of the adapter and connectors of FIG. 67; and

FIG. 71 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 71-71 of FIG. 70.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to FIGS. 1-6, a connector holder system 10 is shown.System 10 includes a fiber optic connector holder 14 which holds a firstfiber optic connector 12. System 10 maintains first connector 12 in aprotected and organized manner for later connection to a second fiberoptic connector. System 10 also does not require a fiber optic adapterfor holding the first connector 12 before connection to the secondconnector. With system 10, a connector only approach is provided whereinonly the one or more first connectors 12 are held and maintained readyfor connection to an adapter and one or more second connector as desiredby the user.

Holder 14 includes a base 16 and a housing 18. Housing 18 defines apocket 20 for receipt of a distal end 22 of first connector 12. Pocket20 also receives an adapter as will be described below. Holder 14includes a clip 26 which clips to first connector 12 to hold firstconnector 12 to holder 14. As shown, clip 26 clips to a rear 24 of firstconnector 12. Clip 26 is located at end 30 of holder 14. Clip 26 isu-shaped and includes two clip arms 48.

As shown in FIGS. 7-12, an adapter 36 is inserted into an opposite end32 of holder 14 for mating connection with first connector 12. Adapter36 is inserted along a longitudinal axis 40 into pocket 20 and latchesto first connector 12. Adapter 36 is not latched to holder 14 whereinmovement in the axially direction would be prevented. Instead, axialmovement is controlled by clip 26 mounted to first connector 12.

Adapter 36 includes posts 46 which slide along slots 28 of holder 14 toprovide proper alignment with first connector 12. Pocket 20 does providesome support to adapter 36. The main fixation of the mating connectorsand adapter is between first connector 12 and holder 14.

Once adapter 36 is mated with first connector 12, a second connector 50is mated with adapter 36. See FIGS. 13-16. Once second connector 50 ismated with adapter 36, fiber optic signals can be transmitted between afirst cable 54 and a second cable 56. Once both connectors are mated toadapter 36, the fiber optical fibers within each of the first and secondconnectors 12, 50 and cables 54, 56 are in optical alignment.

If desired, second connector 50 can be pre-mated with adapter 36, andthen the combined adapter 36 and second connector 50 can be insertedinto holder 14 for mating with first connector 12.

First connector 12 includes a shutter 34 for protecting the user andothers before connection to the second connector 50. Second connector 50also preferably includes a shutter.

Holder 14 includes an RFID tag location 42 for holding an RFID tag, ifdesired. Holder 14 can be provided with holes 44 (see FIGS. 5 and 6) toallow for RFID tags on the connectors to be read while positioned inholder 14. RFID tags allow for identification of specific connectors andadapters.

Holder 14 is shown with a closed housing 18 defining pocket 20. Housing18 is optional if desired. An open topped base 16 can be provided.

Holder 14 can be used as a system demarcation location. In someimplementations, first connectors 12 cannot be removed, if desired. Onlyadapters 36 and second connectors 50 would be accessible in that case.In such implementations, for example, the first fiber optic connector 12might be held by a holder that is part of a fixture on a device such asa tray, panel, module, cassette, or chassis, wherein the first fiberoptic connector 12 is positioned inside such a device without access tothe first connector 12 from an exterior of the device. The presentdisclosure contemplates fiber optic connector holders that includerelease mechanisms for releasing the fiber optic adapter 36 and a secondfiber optic connector 50 from a first fiber optic connector 12 when thefirst optic connector 12 may not be readily accessible to a user. Suchholders will be discussed in further detail below. According to otheraspects of the present disclosure, the release mechanism may be anintegral part of the adapter that aligns the first and second fiberoptic connectors 12, 50. Examples of such adapters will also bediscussed in further detail below.

Referring now to FIG. 17, adapter 36 is shown separated from firstconnector 12 and second connector 50. In use, connectors 12, 50 mount toadapter 36 with latches 60. During insertion of connectors 12, 50 intoadapter 36, shutters 34 lift up exposing the optical fiber inside ofconnectors 12, 50. Further descriptions of the functions and structuresof first connector 12 and second connector 50 and the mating adapter 36are shown in U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 61/758,021, entitledOptical Fiber Connection System Including Optical Fiber AlignmentDevice, filed Jan. 29, 2013, the disclosure of which is incorporated byreference in its entirety. Further embodiments of fiber optic adaptersconfigured to mate first and second fiber optic connectors 12, 50 havingfeatures similar to those discussed herein are described and illustratedin U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 61/831,392, entitled, Fiber OpticAdapter, filed Jun. 5, 2013, the disclosure of which is incorporated byreference in its entirety.

The types of first and second connectors 12, 50 and mating adapter 36are shown in the drawings as one example implementation. It is to beappreciated that other format connectors and adapters could be used asdesired wherein the connector (for example, LC, SC, MPO) is mounted to aholder configured to mount to the connector, instead of the adapter.

Referring now to FIGS. 18-20, a mounting arrangement or fixture 70 isshown with a plurality of holders 14. Holders 14 can be separateelements held together with a mounting structure, or mountingarrangement or fixture 70 can be made with integrally formed holders 14.

A single holder 14 or a plurality of holders 14, such as mountingarrangement or fixture 70, can be mounted to a tray, a panel, a module,a cassette, a chassis, or other telecommunications equipment, asdesired. In the example implementation, clip 26 is releasable forremoving first connector 12. Other mounting structures can be usedinstead of clip 26 to mount first connector 12 to holder 14.

FIGS. 21-24 show various implementations of mounting arrangements 70including a plurality of holders 14, either separately mounted, orintegrally formed therewith for holding a plurality of connectors priorto connections with an adapter and a second connector. The mountingarrangements 70 can be moveably mounted for improved user access too, asdesired.

Referring now to FIG. 21, a first tray 100 is shown including a mountingarrangement 70 in the form of a single row of fiber optic connectorholders 14. First tray 100 can include other cable management structures102 such as a cable pass through 104 and a cable storage area 106.

Referring now to FIG. 22, a second tray 200 is shown with a mountingarrangement or fixture 70 in the form of a single row of fiber opticconnector holders 14. Second tray 200 includes a tray base 202 and apivotable cover 204. Posts 46 on adapters 36 are held in slots 206 whencover 204 is closed. Fixation is by the first connectors 12 (not shown)within the interior second tray 200. Slots 206 provide an additionalload bearing structure in situations where an extra load may be placedon second connectors 50 and cables 56. However, the engagement of posts46 and slots 206 does not interfere with the fiber optic signal pathwayalignment between the first and second connectors 12, 50, since theprimary fixation is by tray 200, holders 14 and first connectors 12inside of tray 200. Posts 46 allow for rotation of adapter 36 to helpavoid stress on the fiber to fiber alignment. Adapters 36 can be removedfrom the interiorly located first connectors 12 by engagement withbuttons 210. Button 210 engages the connector latch 60 on firstconnector 12 disposed within the closed interior of a rear portion 212of second tray 200.

Referring now to FIG. 23, a panel 300 is shown including a plurality ofrows 302 of holders 14. Holders 14 are provided in mounting arrangements70 which are pivotable up and down relative to one another to allow forconnector access. Such pivoting will also allow for improved access toindividual RFID tags associated with the adapters 36, and the relatedconnectors 12, 50.

Referring now to FIG. 24, another fixture in the form of a mountingblock 400 is shown with a plurality of rows 402 of holders 14. As withpanel 300, mounting block 400 also includes a dense arrangement of theadapters 36 and the first and second connectors 12, 50 in mountingarrangement 70. Rows 402 pivot about an axis which is parallel to theconnector axis for each of the connectors for improved access to theadapters 36 and connectors 12, 50.

Connector holder system 10 and the various implementations noted aboveholds the connector of one of the mated connector pairs, instead of themating adapter 36. In general, it is not desirable to precisely fix to aholder, tray, or other device both of the mating connectors and themating adapter. Tolerance offsets, and misalignments may interfere withproper fiber alignment and signal transmission. In the presentimplementations, the connector 12 is the primary fixation of the system10. If there is additional fixation provided, such as for load bearingsituations, it does not interfere with the connector 12 to holder 14fixation, or the fiber to fiber alignment.

One result of providing a connector holder system 10 as described hereinis that the adapters 36 can be added at a later date, when desired. Inthe implementations shown above, the connector 12 is protected withoutthe need for an adapter.

As noted above, in certain implementations, the first fiber opticconnector 12 might be held by a holder that is part of a fixture on adevice such as a tray, panel, module, cassette, or chassis, wherein thefirst fiber optic connector 12 is positioned inside such a devicewithout access to the first connector 12 from an exterior of the device.The present disclosure contemplates fiber optic connector holders thatmight include release mechanisms for releasing the fiber optic adapterand a second fiber optic connector 50 from a first fiber optic connector12 when the first optic connector 12 may not be readily accessible to auser. When a connector 12 is protected within a device without the needfor an adapter, the adapter and the second connector 50 may be added ata later date. However, removability of the adapter and the secondconnector 50 without having to access or interfering with the firstconnector 12 is important in such a connector-only approach wherein onlythe one or more first connectors 12 are held and maintained ready forconnection to an adapter and one or more second connectors 50 as desiredby the user.

Referring now to FIGS. 25-31, another embodiment of a connector holdersystem 500 is illustrated. The holder system 500 includes a connectorholder 514 that includes a release mechanism 502 for releasing a fiberoptic adapter 536 and a second fiber optic connector 50 from a firstfiber optic connector 12 when the first fiber optic connector 12 may notbe readily accessible to a user such as, for example, when the holder514 may be part of a fixture on a device such as a tray, panel, module,cassette, or chassis, wherein the first fiber optic connector 12 ispositioned inside such a device without access to the first connector 12from an exterior of the device.

Still referring to FIGS. 25-31, the holder 514 of the system 500includes a base 516 and a housing 518. Housing 518 defines a pocket 520for receipt of a distal end 22 of first connector 12. Pocket 520 alsoreceives the adapter 536. Holder 514 includes a clip 526 which clips tofirst connector 12 to hold first connector 12 to holder 514. As shown,clip 526 clips to a rear 24 of first connector 12. Clip 526 is locatedat end 530 of holder 514. The depicted clip 526 is u-shaped and includestwo clip arms 548. Other variations in structures for fixedly holdingthe connector 12 are also possible.

As shown in FIGS. 25-31, the adapter 536 is inserted into an oppositeend 532 of holder 514 for mating connection with first connector 12.Adapter 536 is inserted along a longitudinal axis 540 into pocket 520and latches to first connector 12. Adapter 536 is not latched to holder514 wherein movement in the axially direction would be prevented.Instead, axial movement is controlled by clip 526 mounted to firstconnector 12. As discussed for previous embodiments, pocket 520 doesprovide some support to adapter 536. The main fixation of the matingconnectors and adapter 536, however, is between first connector 12 andholder 514.

Once adapter 536 is mated with first connector 12, a second connector 50is mated with adapter 536. Once second connector 50 is mated withadapter 536, fiber optic signals can be transmitted between a firstcable and a second cable. Once both connectors 12, 50 are mated toadapter 536, the optical fibers within each of the first and secondconnectors 12, 50 and first and second cables are in optical alignment.

If desired, second connector 50 can be pre-mated with adapter 536, andthen the combined adapter 536 and second connector 50 can be insertedinto holder 514 for mating with first connector 12.

In the embodiment shown, the holder 514 includes the release mechanism502 that allows a user to release the fiber optic adapter 536 and thesecond fiber optic connector 50 from the first fiber optic connector 12when the first optic connector 12 may not be readily accessible to auser such as, for example, when the holder 514 may be part of a fixtureon a device such as a tray, panel, module, cassette, or chassis, whereinthe first fiber optic connector 12 is positioned inside such a devicewithout access to the first connector 12 from an exterior of the device.The release mechanism 502 is defined by a lever arm 510 pivotallyattached via a hinge 506 at a top 508 of the holder housing 518.

The lever arm 510 defines a first end 511 and a second end 513. Thefirst end 511 is configured to be pressed down by a user and ispositioned so as to be accessible to a user from an exterior of a deviceif, for example, the holder is forming a part of the device that limitsaccess to the first connector 12.

The second end 513 of the lever arm 510 is configured as a release end.When the lever arm 510 is operated, the release end 513 abuts and liftsup the latch 60 of the first fiber optic connector 12 and frees thelatch 60 from a catch 571 of the adapter 536. Thus, when the lever arm510 is pivotally moved, the adapter 536 and the second connector 50 thatis latched thereto can be slidably removed from holder 514. Since theonly connection that is preventing axial movement of the adapter 536 andthe second connector 50 relative to the holder 514 is the latchedconnection of the first connector 12 that is held by the clip 526,freeing the adapter 536 from the first connector 12 allows release ofthe adapter 536 and the second connector 50 from the holder 514.

In this manner, as discussed, when the first fiber optic connector 12 isnot readily accessible to a user such as, for example, when the holder514 may be part of a fixture on a device such as a tray, panel, module,cassette, or chassis, wherein the first fiber optic connector 12 ispositioned inside such a device without access to the first connector 12from an exterior of the device, the release mechanism 502 can be used torelease the adapter 536 and the second connector 50 without disturbingthe first connector 12.

During initial insertion or re-insertion of the adapter 536 into theholder 514 to mate with the first connector 12, the release end 513 ofthe lever arm 510 simply pivots upwardly and out of the way due toabutment with the adapter 536 to allow the latch 60 of the firstconnector to engage with the catch 571 of the adapter 536.

FIGS. 32-46 illustrate another embodiment of a connector holder system600, wherein the holder 614 of the system 600 includes a releasemechanism 602 for releasing a fiber optic adapter 636 and a second fiberoptic connector 50 from a first fiber optic connector 12 when the firstoptic connector 12 may not be readily accessible to a user.

FIGS. 32-41 are various views of the connector holder system 600 whereinthe mounting and the release of the adapter 636 and the second connector50 to and from the first connector 12 that is held by the holder 614 areillustrated. FIGS. 42-45 illustrate the holder 614 in isolation. FIG. 46illustrates a portion of the holder 614 with a first connector 12attached to a clip 626 of the holder 614.

Still referring to FIGS. 32-46, in the embodiment shown, the holder 614of the system 600 defines a plurality of pockets 620 for receiving thedistal ends 22 of first connectors 12 and also the adapters 636. Itshould be noted that the inventive features of the holder 614 areapplicable to versions that might have less or more pockets.

Each pocket 620 is cooperatively defined by a base 616 and a housing618. In the embodiment shown, the holder 614 also includes a verticalwall 604 that defines openings 606 for each housing 618.

The vertical wall 604 might represent a portion (e.g., an exterior wall)of a device such as a tray, panel, module, cassette, or chassis. In suchan example, the first fiber optic connector 12 may be positioned at afirst side 608 of the wall 604 and not accessible from a second side 610of the wall 604 that only provides access to the adapter 636 and thesecond connector 50.

For each pocket 620, the holder 614 includes a clip 626 which clips tofirst connector 12 to hold first connector 12 to holder 614. Similar tothe embodiments discussed above, the clips 626 clip to the rear 24 offirst connector 12. In the depicted embodiment, the clips 626 areu-shaped and include two clip arms 648. Other variations are possible.Each clip 626 is located at end 630 of housing 618 that is at theopposite end from the adapter insertion end of the housing 618.

The release mechanism 602 of the holder, as shown in FIGS. 37-41, isdefined by a pivotable floor 601 of the base 616 of the holder 614. Thepivotable floor 601 is integrally attached to the base 616 at a firstend 603 and defines a free unattached end 605 that enables the floor 601to act as a cantilever.

Once the first connector 12 has been inserted into the pocket 620 fromthe end 630 of the housing 618 and has been clipped to the clip 626, theadapter 636 is brought into the pocket 620 from the opposite end 632.When the adapter 636 is inserted into the pocket 620, as shown in FIG.39, the front end 637 of the adapter 636 that is going to be latchedwith the connector 12 can be pivoted downwardly within the pocket 620.The pivoting of the adapter 636 is allowed because of the contact of thebottom 639 of the adapter with the pivotable floor 601. The floor 601acts as a cantilever that allows the latch 60 of the first connector 12to move over the catch 671 of the adapter 636 and to latch to theadapter 636.

When the adapter 636 is latched with the first connector 12, a tab 609defined by the pivoting floor 601 also locks within a detent 611 definedon the adapter body 647 for axially engaging the adapter 636 withrespect to the holder 614. This axial engagement is in addition to theengagement provided by the latch 60 of the first connector 12.

The removal of the adapter 636 from the holder 614 occurs in a similarfashion to insertion thereof. However, as shown in FIGS. 39-41, inaddition to using the pivoting floor 601 of the base 616 to free theadapter 636 from the holder 614, the top 613 of the housing 618 is alsoused to initially free the adapter 636 from the first connector 12.

As shown in FIGS. 39-41, the top 613 of the housing 618 defines aflexible portion 621 that acts as a cantilever. By either pressing downon a first end 623 of the top 613 of the housing 618 or lifting up asecond end 625 of the top 613 of the housing 618, a rear end 61 of thelatch 60 of the first connector 12 is contacted. By pressing down on therear end 61 of the latch 60, the front end 63 of the latch 60 can befreed from the catch 671 of the adapter 636.

Once the adapter 636 is freed from the first connector 12, the adapter636 needs to be freed from the tab 609 defined by the pivotable floor601. The rear end 641 of the adapter 636 can be pressed downwardly,lifting up the front end 637 and freeing the tab 609 from the detent 611of the adapter 636. The flexibility of the top 613 of the housing 618allows the front end 637 of the adapter 636 to be lifted up and thepivotability/flexibility of the floor 601 allows the adapter 636 to beslidably pulled out once the tab 609 has cleared the detent 611. In thismanner, the adapter 636 can be taken out of the pocket 620 of the holder614.

Referring now to FIGS. 34, 36, and 41, it should be noted that the firstend 623 of the flexible portion 621 of the top 613 of the housing 618can also be used in freeing the first connector 12 from the holder 614if the user has access to the first side 608 of the vertical wall 604.The first end 623 of the top 613 of the housing 618 is positioned suchthat it is accessible from the first side 608 of the wall 604. If thefirst connector 12 is at a location that is accessible by the user andneeds to be released from the adapter 636 and the second connector 50,the first end 623 of the top 613 of the housing 618 can be presseddownwardly by the user to free to first connector 12 from the adapter636. The first connector 12 can, thus, be pulled out of the holder 614.The adapter 636 is prevented from being pulled out of the first side 608of the wall 604 by the clip 626.

The embodiments discussed above are directed to holders that include therelease mechanisms. According to another aspect of the disclosure, therelease mechanism may be an integral part of the adapter that aligns thefirst and second fiber optic connectors. Similar to the embodimentsdiscussed above with respect to FIGS. 25-46, the release mechanism ofthe adapter might allow a user to release the adapter and the secondfiber optic connector from the first fiber optic connector when thefirst optic connector is not readily accessible to a user (e.g., whenthe first fiber optic connector is supported by a holder that is part ofa fixture on a device such as a tray, panel, module, cassette, orchassis, wherein the first fiber optic connector is positioned insidesuch a device without access to the first connector from an exterior ofthe device).

FIGS. 47-56 illustrate such a system 700 wherein the release mechanismis an integral part of the adapter 736. FIGS. 47-51 illustrate variouscomponents of the system 700, while FIGS. 52-56 illustrate the sequenceof operation in releasing the adapter 736 and the second fiber opticconnector 50 from the first fiber optic connector 12 that may be held bythe holder of the system 700.

FIGS. 57-71 show a variation of an adapter 836 for use with the system700, wherein the adapter 836 has similar release features to the adapter736 of system 700.

Referring back to FIGS. 47-56, the system 700 includes the adapter 736having an integral release mechanism 702. The system 700 may include aholder 714 that facilitates use of the integral release mechanism 702 ofthe adapter 736 as will be described in further detail below.

The release mechanism 702 of the adapter 736 is defined by a slider 704that is positioned at the top 713 of the adapter 736. The slider 704 isconfigured to be slidably moved by a user to release the latch 60 of aconnector, either a first connector 12 or a second connector 50, fromthe catches 771 of an adapter 736.

The slider 704 defines a pair of first slide tabs 701 on opposing sidesof the slider 704 adjacent the first end 703 of the slider 704 and apair of second slide tabs 705 on opposing sides of the slider 704adjacent the second end 707 of the slider. Each of a right sidewall 709and a left sidewall 711 of the adapter 736 defines a first slot 715adjacent the first end 743 of the adapter 736 and a second slot 717adjacent the second end 745 of the adapter 736. The first slots 715receive the first slide tabs 701 and the second slots 717 receive thesecond slide tabs 705 to allow the slider 704 to slidably move. Themovement is limited by the slide tabs 701, 705 abutting with the ends ofthe slots 715, 717 that act as positive stops. The top 721 of the slider704 defines a grip surface 723 to assist a user in using the slider 704.

The first and second ends 703, 707 of the slider 704 define releaseportions 725. As shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 50, therelease portions 725 are configured to abut and wedge underneath thelatches 60 of the connectors 12 to pivot the front ends 63 of thelatches 60 of the connectors 12 to release the latches 60 from thecatches 771 of the adapter 736. In this manner, if one of the connectors12, 50 is not accessible to a user, the user can push the slider 704toward the connector and release the latch 60 from the catch 771 of theadapter 736.

As noted above, the system 700 may also include a holder 714 thatfacilitates use of the integral release mechanism 702 of the adapter 736as illustrated in FIGS. 47-56.

The holder 714, similar to previously discussed holders, defines a base716 and a housing 718. A clip 726 is located at a first end 730 of theholder 714 for clipping in the first connector 12. Extending from a top719 of the housing 718 of the holder 714 is a retention tab 731. Theretention tab 731 is configured to contact a pair of tabs 733 positionedon the top 713 of the adapter 736 and retain the adapter within thehousing 718 of the holder 714 and prevent the adapter 736 to be pulledout in a direction opposite to the direction of insertion into thehousing 718.

When the slider 704 is used to release the latch 60 of the connector 12,the slider 704 also contacts the retention tab 731 to move and unlatchthe retention tab 731 from the tabs 733 on the top 713 of the adapter736. The deflection tab 731 is configured to be flexible such that whenthe slider 704 is used to release a connector from the adapter 736, thedeflection tab 731 abuts a portion of the slider 704 and moves upwardlyout of the way of the slider 704 as the release portion 725 of theslider 704 is abutting the latch 60 of a connector. For example, thesequence of operation for releasing an adapter 736 and a secondconnector 50 from a first connector 12 of the system 700 is shown inFIGS. 52-56.

The configuration of the release mechanism 702 of the system 700 allowsa user to release the adapter 736 from the connector 12 and to pull theadapter 736 and the second connector 50 from the holder 714 with asingle hand.

FIGS. 57-71 illustrate another embodiment of an adapter 836 having anintegral release mechanism 802 that is configured for use with thesystem 700 of FIGS. 47-56. The adapter 836 of FIGS. 57-71 is similar inconfiguration to the adapter 736 shown in FIGS. 47-56 except for havinga slider 804 with a different grip surface 823.

The above specification, examples and data provide a completedescription of the manufacture and use of the composition of theinvention. Since many embodiments of the invention can be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention, the inventionresides in the claims hereinafter appended.

REFERENCE NUMERALS

-   10 Connector holder system-   12 First fiber optic connector-   14 Fiber optic connector holder-   16 Base-   18 Housing-   20 Pocket-   22 Distal end of first connector-   24 Rear of first connector-   26 Clip-   28 Slots-   30 End of holder-   32 Opposite end of holder-   34 Shutter-   36 Adapter-   40 Longitudinal axis-   42 RFID tag location-   44 Holes-   46 Posts-   48 Clip arms-   50 Second fiber optic connector-   54 First cable-   56 Second cable-   60 Latch-   61 Rear end-   63 Front end-   70 Mounting arrangement-   100 First tray-   102 Structures-   104 Cable pass through-   106 Cable storage area-   200 Second tray-   202 Base-   204 Cover-   206 Slots-   210 Buttons-   212 Rear portion-   300 Panel-   302 Rows-   400 Mounting block-   402 Rows-   500 Connector holder system-   502 Release mechanism-   506 Hinge-   508 Top-   510 Lever arm-   511 First end-   513 Second release end-   514 Holder-   516 Base-   518 Housing-   520 Pocket-   526 Clip-   530 End-   532 Opposite end-   536 Adapter-   540 Longitudinal axis-   548 Clip arms-   571 Catch-   600 Connector holder system-   601 Pivotable floor-   602 Release mechanism-   603 First end-   604 Vertical wall-   605 Second end-   606 Opening-   608 First side-   609 Tab-   610 Second side-   611 Detent-   613 Top-   614 Holder-   616 Base-   618 Housing-   620 Pocket-   621 Flexible portion-   623 First end-   625 Second end-   626 Clip-   630 End-   632 Opposite end-   636 Adapter-   637 Front end-   639 Bottom-   641 Rear end-   647 Adapter body-   648 Clip arms-   671 Catch-   700 Connector holder system-   701 First slide tab-   702 Release mechanism-   703 First end-   704 Slider-   705 Second slide tab-   707 Second end-   709 Right sidewall-   711 Left sidewall-   713 Top-   714 Holder-   715 First slot-   716 Base-   717 Second slot-   718 Housing-   719 Top-   721 Top of slider-   723 Grip surface-   725 Release portion-   726 Clip-   730 First end-   731 Deflection tab-   733 Tab-   736 Adapter-   743 First end-   745 Second end-   771 Catch-   802 Release mechanism-   804 Slider-   823 Grip surface-   836 Adapter

What is claimed is:
 1. A fiber optic adapter comprising: a bodyconfigured to mate a first fiber optic connector with a second fiberoptic connector, the first and second fiber optic connectors includinglatches for mating with catches of the adapter for releasably engagingthe first and second connectors with the fiber optic adapter, whereinthe latches are configured to be unlatched from the catches by directcontact with the latches, wherein the adapter has a release mechanismfor allowing a user to release the latches of both of the first andsecond fiber optic connectors from the adapter without the user havingto directly contact the latches of both of the first and second fiberoptic connectors, wherein the release mechanism includes a portion ofthe adapter that slides with respect to the rest of the body of theadapter.
 2. A telecommunications system comprising: a fiber opticadapter configured to mate a first fiber optic connector with a secondfiber optic connector; the first fiber optic connector mounted to thefiber optic adapter; the second fiber optic connector mounted to thefiber optic adapter for optically mating with the first fiber opticconnector; wherein both of the first and second fiber optic connectorsinclude latches for mating with catches of the fiber optic adapter forreleasably engaging the first and second connectors with the fiber opticadapter, the latches configured to be unlatched from the catches bydirect contact with the latches, wherein the adapter has a releasemechanism for allowing a user to release the latches of both of thefirst and second fiber optic connectors from the adapter without theuser having to directly contact the latches of both of the first andsecond fiber optic connectors, wherein the release mechanism includes aportion of the adapter that slides with respect to the rest of the bodyof the adapter.
 3. A telecommunications system according to claim 2,further comprising a fixture configured to fixedly hold at least one ofthe first and the second fiber optic connectors that is mounted to theadapter, the fixture configured to prevent axial movement of theconnector when being released from the adapter.
 4. A telecommunicationssystem according to claim 3, wherein the fixture defines a plurality oflocations for fixedly holding a plurality of fiber optic connectors formounting to adapters.